Woking Invalid Prison

[aussieshay]

I have just found a possible relative in the inmates records for Woking Invalid Prison in 1881. Goerge Howett was born in Gosberton, Lincolnshire in 1821. Census records for 1881 confirm he was incarcerated at Woking as well.

Does anyone have any ideas as to how I go about finding out what crime he committed and exactly why he was put in the Invalid Prison? ( He obviously had a disability or illness of some type)

Any suggestions most gratefully received.

Shay

[Peter Goodey]

The National Archives have criminal registers covering Woking. See the National Archives catalogue under PCOM 2/141 et seq.

Piece 145 may be the one you're interested in

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=1721992&CATLN=6&accessmethod=5

The PCOM 2 series has this description: "Registers of prisoners and habitual criminals, photograph albums, minute books, visitors' books, order books, journals, assizes and quarter sessions calendars and other records relating to various prisons in England and Wales, to Gibraltar prison and to some ship prisons"

This research guide explains how to research criminals -

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=120

In view of your location, you'll probably need someone to do the research for you.

[aussieshay]

Thanks for that information Peter. It was very helpful in pointing me in the right direction.

Regards
Shay